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Wednesday 3rd December 2025:

Strictly Masonic in Yorkshire

 

There are Installation meetings… and then there are performances. Last night’s gathering could easily have been mistaken for a live episode of Strictly Come Dancing — albeit with more aprons and less sequins.

Sadly, the evening was marked by the last‑minute absence of the Provincial Grand Master’s representative, which left his Director of Ceremonies without a partner. One could almost hear the collective sigh as the choreography faltered — a duet reduced to a solo. But the show must go on.

 Our Director of Ceremonies W Bro Marcus Whereat was in his element, gliding across the Lodge floor with such precision and flair that one half-expected Craig Revel Horwood to appear from the sidelines with a “FAB-U-LOUS, darling!” Every candidate was ushered into place with a twirl, a pivot, and the occasional dramatic pause. If ballroom dancing ever needs a new category…“Masonic Waltz” … we’ve found our champion.

 Adding gravitas to the evening was the Installing Master, W Bro Mike Price, whose delivery of the ritual was nothing short of outstanding. His words flowed with clarity, dignity, and a touch of theatrical timing that held the Lodge spellbound. So impressive was his rendition that the Past Provincial Deputy Grand Master remarked it was the finest he had witnessed in a very long time — high praise indeed and richly deserved.

 Meanwhile, Bro. Secretary provided comic relief of a different sort. In the midst of the solemn proceedings, it became apparent that the Master Elect’s apron was… well, not exactly where it ought to be. Cue frantic whispers, a shuffle of feet, and the kind of sheepish grin that only comes from realising you’ve forgotten the most symbolic garment of the evening. Thankfully, the crisis was averted, though the Master Elect may have briefly considered installing himself in his everyday attire.

 Adding to the spectacle was the music, courtesy of our own maestro Wildman. As Brethren were invested with their collars and badges of office, the Lodge was treated to a soundtrack ranging from the grandeur of Richard Strauss’s Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 to the cheeky charm of TV’s Steptoe and Son theme. It was a masterstroke of humour and ceremony combined. Greetings were also warmly received from six visiting lodges, including W Bro Eddie Wildman of Humber 57 — still proudly (and loudly) claiming they remain the premier lodge!

 And then came the Festive Board — a Christmas spectacular courtesy of our chef Luke. The tables were adorned with multi-coloured cyclamens, creating a cheerful glow that matched the spirit of the season. Plates were piled high, glasses clinked, and laughter echoed around the room. The warmth of the evening was magnified by the support of visiting Brethren, especially those from Lord Bolton Lodge, whose presence reminded us that fellowship stretches far beyond our own walls.

 Newly installed Worshipful Master Wayne Walker was then toasted in fine style and received the traditional Master’s Song — delivered with the rich bass-baritone tones of W Bro Price, whose voice filled the room with warmth and gravitas. The Worshipful Master responded with heartfelt thanks, expressing his gratitude to everyone who had made the night so special.  

 The evening rolled on with dignity, laughter, and just enough chaos to remind us that Freemasonry, like life, is best enjoyed with a wink and a smile. After all, what’s an Installation without a touch of theatre — and a Secretary who keeps us guessing?

[photos by Eddie: upper- SW. Gary Crossland WM. Wayne Walker & JW. Tim Dillon. Lower- WM. Walker, Officers & visitors]

Neil Armstrong,  errant Secretary!

 

Friday 28th November 2025:

Wyke Millennium Chapter 9696

The Wyke Millennium Chapter 9696 shares E Comp Malcolm Forbes with Humber Chapter 57; E Comp Craig Maurier (H57) is the Scribe Ezra. It is a daylight Chapter, and the 11:00 am meetings are followed by lunch. On this occasion I went there as a visitor, and to fly the flag for the Kingston Chapter 1010 in which I currently hold the office of First Principal, and played the organ at appropriate points in the ceremony, the exaltation of Bro Ian Walker of Andrew Marvell Lodge 5642 into the Royal Arch.

It was an unrehearsed ceremony. Congratulations to the stand-in Principal Sojourner, E Comp Barry Longstaff who relinquished his post as J to conduct Bro Walker through the ceremony. He was the only person there not reading the words. Congratulations too to Companion Walker, (pictured) who now as a member of the Supreme Degree will be able to visit Chapter meetings elsewhere. Having another meeting later in the day I did not stay for fish and chips.

Eddie Wildman, visitor.

 

 

 

Wednesday 19th November 2025:

A Snowy Night of Exaltation: When Ritual Meets Weather Forecasts

There are evenings when the stars align, the ritual flows seamlessly, and the candidates emerge exalted with smiles wider than the Tyler’s sword. And then there are evenings when the heavens decide to add their own commentary — in the form of snowflakes the size of tracing boards.

Last night’s Kingston Chapter 1010 meeting was one of those rare occasions where both the ritual and the weather conspired to make the evening unforgettable.

As Companions gathered, the first flakes began to fall. By the time the Principal Sojourner was warming up his vocal cords, the car park looked like a set from Doctor Zhivago. One Companion was overheard muttering, “I hope the candidate’s journey doesn’t involve crossing the frozen tundra.”

Inside, however, the atmosphere was positively glowing. The candidate, Bro David Emerton suitably nervous but brimming with curiosity, was guided through the mysteries with such precision that even the most sceptical of Companions nodded approvingly.

The MEZ, along with his co-principals and team of officers, delivered the ritual with impressive enthusiasm and energy.

The symbolism shone through, proving once again that the Chapter can warm hearts even when the thermostat cannot.

Companion David emerged exalted, enlightened, and slightly relieved that no part of the ceremony required him to shovel the car park!

By the time we reached the Festive board, the snow was falling thick and fast. One wag suggested we replace the wine with mulled ale and issue sledges for the journey home. Another Companion, ever practical, proposed that the Chapter invest in snow chains for the Dining Stewards’ car.

The toasts were swift and hearty, the jokes flowed, and the candidate was warmly welcomed — though he did ask if the “Royal Arch” included an igloo extension.

True to Yorkshire grit, not a single Companion was deterred by the weather. The exaltation was a triumph, the fellowship was rich, and the snow outside only added to the sense of occasion. After all, what better way to prove the resilience of the Craft than to exalt a candidate while the world outside looks like a giant tracing board dusted with chalk?

It was a night when ritual met resilience, when snow met symbolism, and when laughter met the warmth of companionship. The candidate left exalted, the Companions left cheerful, and the snow… well, it left us all wondering if the next meeting should be held on skis.

[photo: left to right, M.Price, E Wildman, D Emerton and M Forbes.]

Neil Armstrong Janitor

 

 

 

 

 

The Installation Ballet: A Night of Masonic Grace Under Pressure

There are evenings in Freemasonry that sparkle not because everything goes to plan, but because everything doesn’t — and yet somehow, it all comes together with poise, purpose, and a touch of theatrical flair. Such was the case at Lord Bolton’s Installation Meeting, a night that will be remembered not for its perfection, but for its poetry in motion. 

With just hours to go before the ceremony, word came that their Worshipful Master had been taken ill. A hush fell over the brethren. Would they postpone? Cancel? Not a chance!

In true Masonic spirit, the brethren rallied. Aprons were dusted off, ritual books cracked open, and roles reassigned with the urgency of a West End understudy call sheet.

The Lodge Secretary W Bro Martin Tompkins stepped up to the Master’s Chair with the calm of a swan that gracefully moves on a lake, a  picture of elegance in motion but what is hidden from the eye is the activity going on beneath the water’s surface! The Director of Ceremonies, W Bro Alan Shand became a maestro of movement, orchestrating a flurry of whispered instructions and subtle nods. Brethren who had come expecting to sit quietly in the South suddenly found themselves donning collars and brushing up on ritual lines. As Lodge Support Officer I found myself standing in for Bro Secretary, quickly refreshing my memory of the fifteen charges  I hadn’t uttered since pre-covid days!

What unfolded was nothing short of a ballet — not the kind with tutus and pirouettes, but one of silent signals, graceful sidesteps, and seamless transitions. The brethren moved around the lodge room with the elegance of seasoned dancers, each knowing their cue, each trusting the next to carry the rhythm.

And what a rhythm it was. Maestro W Bro Wildman of Humber Lodge 57 provided a musical accompaniment that elevated the evening from mere ceremony to something almost theatrical. His organ playing was both sensitive and spirited — gently underscoring the solemnity of the ritual, then lifting the mood with triumphant flourishes as officers took their stations. At times, it felt as though the music itself was guiding his steps, as he vied swiftly between Organist and Inner Guard duties, transforming the lodge room into a stage where tradition met artistry. The final chords rang out like a curtain call, met with appreciative nods and murmurs of “well played” from every corner.

I gave greetings on behalf of Kingston Lodge  in addition to my being Support Officer to Lord Bolton.3263.

The Installing Master, himself a last-minute substitute, delivered the ritual with warmth and gravitas, his voice steady and sure. The Working Tools were presented with clarity and conviction, and the Address to the Brethren  delivered by Bro Jamie Bird  was met with heartfelt approval.

What made the evening so memorable wasn’t just the successful execution of the ceremony, but the spirit in which it was done. There was laughter in the room, quiet encouragement in the wings, and a palpable sense of unity throughout. It was a reminder that while ritual is our framework, it is brotherhood that gives it life.

As the final gavel fell and we retired to the festive board, the room buzzed not with relief, but with pride. The toasts were heartfelt, the harmony was rich, and the new Master  Colin Bird  now comfortably seated in the Chair raised his glass to the brethren who had turned a potential disaster into a triumph of teamwork.

These sentiments were warmly endorsed by the Representative of the Provincial Grand Master, who commended the lodge for its resilience, dignity, and the evident strength of its fraternal bonds.

In the end, the Installation was not just a ceremony — it was a performance, a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the Craft. Like a well-rehearsed ballet, it was beautiful not because it was flawless, but because it was alive, responsive, and full of heart.

To the brethren who stepped up, stepped in, and stepped around the lodge room with such grace — Bravo. You reminded us all that when the lights go up and the music starts, the show must go on.

[photo: Left to Right, WM Colin Bird with W Bro David Burnett representing the RWPGM and his DC Leigh Richardson ProvSwd.]                           

Neil Armstrong .

 

 Wednesday 5^th November 2025

 

 A Night of Light: Reflections on a Successful Kingston Initiation Ceremony

 

Last evening, beneath the light of Freemasonry and the fireworks of Bonfire Night, tradition came alive in a way that only we Masons can conjure. The initiation of our newest Brother Jake Mcleavy was not merely a ceremony, it was a symphony of symbolism, solemnity, and shared purpose.

The Lodge was dressed in its finest: the tracing board awaited to be unveiled, the Volume of Sacred Law lay ready to be opened with reverence, and the officers stood ready in full regalia. The Tyler’s sword gleamed at the threshold, a quiet sentinel of the mysteries within.

Our candidate, having been properly prepared, entered the Lodge with a mixture of curiosity and courage. His journey from darkness to light began with the guiding hand of W Bro Watkinson acting as Junior Deacon.

A gentle organ prelude welcomed the candidate, setting a tone of reflection and anticipation. During the ceremony, the soft musical arrangement underscored the gravity of the moment. Music, as ever, served as the invisible thread binding emotion to ceremony.

The candidate was entrusted with the secrets of the Craft by WM Price. W Bro Whereat delivered the Address in the N E Corner with clarity and care, as did W Bro Ramshaw with the Charge.The Working Tools were presented by the Candidates own brother, Bro Michael Mcleavy. These were not merely explained—they were brought to life through allegory and reflection.

The candidate’s reaction to the symbolism was telling wide-eyed, and thoughtful, as he began his own journey of self-improvement.

Following the ceremony, the Brethren gathered in the Festive Board. The toast to the initiate was met with hearty applause and a few humorous anecdotes from members. Our Worshipful Master, in his toast, reminded us that “each new Brother is a fresh note in the harmony of our Lodge.”

The evening closed with the singing of the Initiate’s Song, together with the Masonic chain. It was a moment of joy, unity, and shared purpose.At the conclusion of our meeting, a clear atmosphere of renewal was evident. Brother Jake has formally joined our membership and contributed to a strengthened sense of unity. Although his journey as a Freemason is just beginning, he demonstrates commitment and is guided by the principles of the fraternal light.

Welcome Brother Jake!

 

[photos: Lodge members; WM Price, Michael & Jake Mcleavy]                                                              

Neil Armstrong - Secretary